The Econetic treatment is a back-to-basics approach to improving fuel efficiency. There's no fancy hybrid stuff - it's about better aerodynamics, tyres with lower rolling resistance, raising gear ratios and turning braking energy into electricity for the battery.
As a result, the Ford Focus Econetic 1.6 TDCi Auto-Start-Stop emits 99g/km of CO2. Its sibling hot-hatch Focus RS emits 225g/km. The key to getting this latest Focus Econetic below 100g/km, which means it is exempt from road tax, is the automatic start-stop system. This shuts off the engine (without disabling the car's systems) when it is stationary in traffic. Then, when you dip the clutch or touch the throttle, it fires up instantly - Ford claims 0.3sec. The starter motor and engagement system have been beefed up to cope.
The other innovation is what Ford calls "eco mode", which nannies you into driving more efficiently. The system monitors when you shift gears, how smoothly you brake and steer and how consistent your speed is on motorways. There are three symbols on the instrument panel - a gearshift pattern, binoculars ("anticipation", geddit?) and a motorway. This is the bit that will drive Clarkson mad: when you start, each symbol has two petals of a flower illuminated. Drive carefully and petals will be added until you have five for each symbol. Drive like a loon and you'll lose your petals. Thankfully, like the automatic start-stop system, you can turn it off.
Otherwise, the experience of Econetic driving, which is also available on the Fiesta and Mondeo, isn't much different from that of a regular Focus. The ride feels a little less compliant at low speed - that's the low rolling resistance tyres, I reckon - and the gear ratios are designed to operate at lower revs in order to save fuel. Otherwise, this Focus is just as much fun to drive as its siblings, but Ford claims you can get up to 74.2mpg combined. That's 850 miles on one tank.
The Focus Econetic costs £19,995, £250 more than the comparable Zetec model. Yet there's no escaping the fact that a Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion, which matches the Focus's economy and emissions, is £2,085 cheaper. On top of that, Ford reckons the acceptance of start-stop technology is a hurdle - it expects just 0.5% of Focuses sold to be the start-stop Econetic. Maybe, but all we hear about these days is CO2, so a car that emits just 99g/km of the stuff could be a real draw.
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Ford Focus Econetic 1.6 TDCi Auto-Start-Stop five-door £19,995
ENGINE 1560cc, four cylinders
POWER 109bhp @ 4000rpm
TORQUE 177 lb ft @ 1750rpm
TRANSMISSION Five-speed manual
ACCELERATION 0-62mph: 12.6sec
TOP SPEED 113mph
FUEL 74.2mpg (combined)
CO2 99g/km
ON SALE January
RATING
Verdict It's green but the eco-friendliness comes at a price
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THE RIVALS
Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion, £17,910
For Good green credentials mean solid residual values
Against A tad dull
Seat Leon Ecomotive 1.9 TDI SE, £16,700
For Good value, strong performance
Against Interior quality not great